Joško Gvardiol is set to extend his stay at Manchester City, signing a new contract that will keep him at the Etihad until June 2031, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The 24-year-old Croatian defender arrived at City for approximately £77 million and currently has two years remaining on his existing deal. Despite reported interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid, Gvardiol appears committed to staying in Manchester.

Clubs left empty-handed

Barcelona had reportedly submitted a formal offer for Gvardiol in recent days, while Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti claimed Real Madrid were also in pursuit. It is understood that Real Madrid were prepared to spend somewhere between £60 million and £69 million to secure the defender's services.

Those approaches will come to nothing. Romano posted on Twitter/X: "Joško Gvardiol's new deal at Man City until June 2031 will be sealed soon, as reported yesterday. Formal steps to follow. Staying."

Sportske Novosti also reported there is now "no doubt" that Gvardiol will renew, with sporting director Hugo Viana instrumental in pushing the agreement over the line.

A key figure in City's rebuild

Gvardiol's renewal carries particular weight given the upheaval at the Etihad this summer. Manager Pep Guardiola left the club at the end of last season after nearly a decade in charge, and City are entering what many expect to be a period of transition.

Retaining an established and accomplished centre-back of Gvardiol's calibre — ranked among the finest defenders in world football — provides the new setup with a reliable foundation at the back as the club charts a new course.

With the deal expected to be formally completed in the coming days, Gvardiol's future now appears firmly settled in Manchester.